On May 12, 2022, the Interdisciplinary Research Workshop between the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as NSFC) and the UK Research and Innovation (hereinafter referred to as UKRI) was successfully held online. Prof. Li Jinghai, President of NSFC, and Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive Officer of UKRI, attended the workshop and delivered openning speechs. Prof. Zou Liyao, Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation and Dr Daniel Brooker, Director of UKRI China, co-chaired the workshop.

In his speech, President Li introduced the logic and landscape of the knowledge system and the four sections of NSFC’s funding layout, focusing his elaborations on the important measures taken by NSFC to deepen the reform and promote the development of interdisciplinary research under the context of the research paradigm shift and responding to global challenges. President Li Jinghai reiterated NSFC’s willingness to work with UKRI and give full play to the role of interdisciplinary research and strengthen collaboration in achieving carbon neutrality goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Prof. Dame Leyser agreed with President Li’s remarks and affirmed the collaboration between UKRI and NSFC in the fight against COVID-19 and other fields, and stressed that on this basis, the two sides will further strengthen collaboration in interdisciplinary research, so as to better respond to global challenges.

Prof. Chen Yongjun, Executive Deputy Director General, Department of Interdisciplinary Sciences of NSFC, and Professor Christopher Smith, International Champion for UKRI and Executive Chair for AHRC, delivered reports on the interdisciplinary research funding of NSFC and UKRI respectively, sharing the progress and experiences. Participants then fully exchanged views on topics of reviewing interdisciplinary applications and evaluation of the outcome through group discussions. Finally, the two sides exchanged preliminary views on priority areas for future collaboration.

Deputy Director Prof. Pan Qing and directors of Division I and Division III of NSFC’ Department of Interdisciplinary Research,  Prof. Yin Wenxuan, Deputy Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation, Prof Wu Kai of Peking University and Prof. Zeng Jianyang of Tsinghua University, Dr Jim Fleming, Head of Energy Theme, EPSRC, Dr Peter Burlinson, Head of Strategy, BBSRC, Tom Haynes, Head of Interdisciplinary Programmes & Evaluation, NERC, Dr Alan Partridge, Executive Director Large Scale Facilities and Head of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, Dr Emily Hancock，International Senior Manager, ESRC, Charlotte Allen, International Programme Manager, MRC, Sophie Durrans, Deputy Director, UKRI China and other staff members from SE and NSFC attended the meeting.